II 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3251 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 10 (legislative day, July 9), 2008 Mr. Thune (for himself and Mr. Grassley) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry A BILL To amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act and the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize advance payments under the supplemental revenue assistance program.

1.

Advance payments for supplemental revenue assistance program

(a)

Federal Crop Insurance Act

Section 531(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1531(b)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C)

Advance payments

In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may, not later than December 31 of the calendar year in which a disaster occurs, make an advance payment in an amount of not less than 50 percent of the payment to be made to the eligible producers on a farm under subparagraph (A), using projected revenue losses as determined by the Secretary. . (b)

Trade Act of 1974

Section 901(b)(2) of the Trade Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 2497(b)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C)

Advance payments

In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may, not later than December 31 of the calendar year in which a disaster occurs, make an advance payment in an amount of not less than 50 percent of the payment to be made to the eligible producers on a farm under subparagraph (A), using projected revenue losses as determined by the Secretary. . (c)

Regulations

(1)

In general

Not later than November 15, 2008, the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement subtitle B of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1531) and title IX of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2497 et seq.), including amendments made by this Act. (2)

Procedure

The promulgation of the regulations and administration of subtitle B of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1531) and title IX of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2497 et seq.), including amendments made by this Act, shall be made without regard to— (A)the notice and comment provisions of section 553 of title 5, United States Code; (B)the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and (C)chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act). (3)

Congressional review of agency rulemaking

In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall use the authority provided under section 808 of title 5, United States Code.